The Write Stuff: The Power of Promotional Pens

Even in our digitally connected world of smart phones and keyboards, texts and emails, writing instruments are still considered to be the #1 most popular promotional product. Why? Simply put, people use them! We rely on pens and pencils regularly— at home, in the office, and on the go — to leave notes, write reminders, sign documents, and mark boxes. Their uses are endless!

According to a 2012 study published by Promotional Products Association International (PPAI), people in the United States use a pen 5-10 times a day. Seventy-three percent of people in the United States carry a pen with them at all times.

When it comes to promotional pens, the PPAI study also reported that of those who have received a promotional pen:

• 79 percent reported that they use promotional pens they receive
• 40 percent reported they use them at least 1-5 times a day
• 60 percent could recall the name of the advertiser who gave them the pen
• More than 50 percent of them could remember the product or service
• Almost half of the people surveyed said they often pass on the pens to another person

Five Benefits of Promotional Pens

Aside from statistics, here are five more reasons that customized promotional pens have all of the components of the “perfect” promotional product:

1. Customized promotional pens are used all of the time.

Perhaps one of the greatest benefits of customized pens is that promotional pens are used on a daily basis — by people of all ages and in every industry.  

2. Customized promotional pens are often shared.

Like money, pens often move from hand to hand. Statistics show that the average pen has seven different users in a lifetime. While a promotional pen may start with an original customer, quite often it will wind up in the hands of someone else. Every time the pen changes hands, the company’s name and identity spreads.

3. Customized promotional pens are easy to distribute.

Customized pens are small, portable and convenient to pass around — at trade shows and special events — as well as within your place of business. Recipients can carry them anywhere they go — quite often they may pick up a promotional pen without even realizing it.

4. Customized promotional pens are inexpensive to produce.

Promotional pens are one of the least expensive forms of advertising and ideal for companies with lean marketing budgets. They provide maximum brand exposure at a surprisingly affordable price. Cordial Greetings offers a wide range of options — some cost as little as .49 cents a piece!

5. Customized promotional pens come in all shapes and styles.

There’s blue ones and black ones, red ones and green ones – even pink and purple. The list of types and styles of promo pens are endless. Cordial Greetings’ own selection of promotional pens range from basic ballpoint pens to more sophisticated designs — such as our new Stylus Click Pen that offers both the functionality of a pen, as well as a stylus.

What are people’s favorites?

The PPAI study also revealed people’s preferences for promotional writing instruments. The top five user favorites were:

1. Ballpoint pen
2. Roller ball pen
3. Gel pen
4. Highlighter
5. Permanent marker

Get to the “point.”

If you are looking for an easy, inexpensive way to market your company and build brand awareness, a customized promotional pen can be a smart addition to your marketing mix. Ready to get started?